Our Summary

This research paper talks about a case where a 7-year-old vervet monkey died after a surgery to fix a rectal prolapse - a condition where the rectum slips out of its normal place and protrudes out of the anus. This monkey had been experiencing tenesmus, a feeling of constantly needing to pass stools, in the week leading up to the rectal prolapse.

When the researchers performed an autopsy, they found that the monkey’s seminal vesicles - glands that produce a significant proportion of the fluid that, together with sperm cells, makes up semen - were unusually large and swollen. This swelling seemed to have pressed against the rectum from behind, causing it to narrow.

The study concludes that if the seminal vesicles become enlarged, they could potentially block the rectum and cause tenesmus, leading to rectal prolapse. While this is a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal disorders, it should still be considered a possibility in vervet monkeys, and possibly other non-human primate species as well.

FAQs

  1. What was the cause of the rectal prolapse in the vervet monkey?
  2. Can enlargement of seminal vesicles lead to rectal obstruction and tenesmus in other species of nonhuman primates?
  3. What are the potential serious consequences of an enlargement of the seminal vesicles in vervet monkeys?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing rectal prolapse surgery to carefully monitor any symptoms of tenesmus or difficulty with bowel movements following the procedure. It is important to report any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Rectal prolapse surgery is typically recommended for patients who have a rectal prolapse that is causing significant symptoms or complications, such as:

  1. Chronic or severe rectal prolapse that does not respond to conservative treatment
  2. Recurrent rectal prolapse
  3. Rectal prolapse in patients with underlying conditions such as chronic constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, or neurological disorders
  4. Rectal prolapse in patients with significant symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, or difficulty with bowel movements

In the case of the vervet monkey mentioned in the abstract, surgery was recommended due to the severe complications caused by the rectal prolapse and associated enlargement of the seminal vesicles. It is important to carefully evaluate each patient’s individual situation and determine the best course of treatment, which may include surgery in some cases.

Timeline

  • Patient experiences tenesmus for a week leading up to rectal prolapse surgery
  • Surgery is performed to repair the rectal prolapse
  • Enlargement and dilatation of seminal vesicles are discovered during necropsy
  • Enlarged seminal vesicles are identified as the likely cause of the rectal prolapse
  • Patient dies 8 days after surgery due to complications from the rectal prolapse and seminal vesicle enlargement.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of rectal prolapse surgery in vervet monkeys?
  2. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with this surgery in vervet monkeys?
  3. How long is the recovery period after rectal prolapse surgery in vervet monkeys?
  4. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions that need to be followed for a vervet monkey undergoing rectal prolapse surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for rectal prolapse in vervet monkeys?
  6. Is there a possibility of the rectal prolapse reoccurring after surgery in a vervet monkey?
  7. What signs or symptoms should be monitored for after the surgery in a vervet monkey?
  8. How frequently should follow-up appointments be scheduled after rectal prolapse surgery in a vervet monkey?
  9. Is there a need for any dietary or lifestyle changes to prevent future rectal prolapse in a vervet monkey?
  10. Are there any specific factors that may have contributed to the rectal prolapse in this particular vervet monkey, and how can they be managed in the future?

Reference

Authors: Hablolvarid MH. Journal: J Med Primatol. 2022 Aug;51(4):250-252. doi: 10.1111/jmp.12578. Epub 2022 Apr 24. PMID: 35462443